Lene Bødker — Morphosis I and II
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Morphosis I and II by sculptural craftsperson and artist Lene Bødker draw parallels between humans and nature through the reference of the human torso – a classic sculptural motif. Translated through two kiln cast glass tree trunks, their surfaces retain the structure and texture of bark, expressing the vitality and energy retained within the living tree. Created through cire perdue – lost wax technique, the soft opacity of the glass forms reveal their central void within. Just as the central rings of the tree help transport energy and nourishment to its outer limbs, the human torso spreads nourishment to both body and mind – creating a link between the life-cycle of a tree and our own bodies.
Material and dimensions:
Cast Glass.
44 x 25 x 25 cm each.
Year:
2016
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Anders Sune Berg
VIDEOGRAPHY BY:
Benjamin Lund
LONG DESCRIPTION:
Connecting philosophical concepts with biological references, Morphosis I and II continues the link between the human condition and nature within Bødker’s body of work. Created from hand modelling techniques, the two forms are initially brought to life through detailed clay sculptures complete with the texture and bumps from the tree’s outer layers. Over a long process, the two dense clay forms are cast in solid glass, revealing layers of opacity and reflection within their final form. Lastly the sculptures are finished by hand and machine – each piece grinded, acid treated and polished. Due to the unique nature of cast glass, the objects interact with light and shadow, revealing the structure of the piece – both internal and external, and the colour choices of the artist. Reminiscent of the core of the tree and its connection with the torso of the human body, the visual references of the works are deliberately left open for interpretation, encouraging the audience to approach and connect with the two objects. The play of light and texture only assists in drawing in the viewer as the forms shift and change with passing light and the position of the audience.
DESIGNER BIO:
Lene Bødker
Artist, born 1958.
Mixing conceptual links to philosophy and biology with rigorous and detailed craft and manufacturing techniques, the work of glass artist Lene Bødker explores the unique liveliness of her chosen medium and its inherent connection to nature through her collectible and commissioned objects. Her use of cire perdue (lost wax) technique first mastered by bronze casters centuries ago allows her final forms to translate the fluidity of molten glass once cooled. Working between her workshop in Roskilde and studio on Sjællands Odde, her time-consuming practice consists of modelling in clay, wax and plaster casting, before hot glass fills the empty mould – surface finishing completed by hand with hammer and chisel. The laborious nature of her process contributes to a contemplative approach to her craft – with Bødker incorporating meditation at the start of each project to create a sense of calm and presence within her workshop. Combining a strong sensuality within her work through the fusion of natural forms and colours with tactile surface treatments, her work also approaches the spiritual – constantly connecting and questioning our position within nature.
EDUCATION:
1992: Design, The Danish Design School, Copenhagen, Denmark.
GRANTS AND HONOURS:
2012: Lifetime Grant, The Danish Arts Foundation, Denmark.
2011: Inga and Ejvind Kold Christensens Award, Denmark.
2011: The Anne Marie Telmanyi Award, Denmark.
2007: Grand Prize, The International Exhibition of Glass Kanazawa, Japan.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS:
2022: Solo Exhibition, Glasmuseum Ebeltoft, Denmark.
2017: Solo Exhibition, Galerie Maria Lund, Paris, France.
2016: Solo Exhibition, Maison Louis Carré, Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France.
2005: Solo Exhibition, Politiken Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Selected Collections:
Designmuseum Danmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Glasmuseum Hentrich at Museum Kunst Palast, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Holstebro Kunstmuseum, Holstebro, Denmark.
Designcenter Ishigawa, Kanazawa, Japan.
Victoria & Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom.
Glasmuseum Lette, Alter Hof Herding, Coesfeld, Germany,
Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France.
Selected Commissions:
2015: Alssundgymnasiet, Sønderborg, Denmark.
2014: Osterhåb Church, Horsens, Denmark.
2013: Statkraft, Oslo, Norway.
2004: Police Headquarters, Randers, Denmark.
2002: Federation of Danish Trade Unions, FH, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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